Biometric login comes to Android’s Find My Device and Pixel 9 fixes annoying bluetooth issues

Google has recently updated its Find My Device app for Android, adding a highly anticipated biometric login feature. This update enhances both security and convenience for users trying to locate their lost or misplaced devices. Alongside this, Pixel 9 users who have been struggling with frustrating Bluetooth issues can now expect smoother functionality thanks to the recent updates.

Biometric Login Now Available for Find My Device

The Find My Device app has introduced biometric login support in its latest update (version 3.1.173-1). Previously, users had to rely on passwords or PINs, but with this new feature, you can now sign in using your device’s built-in biometric methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This feature is only accessible if you enable the “Require sign-in” option in the app settings. Once enabled, every time you open the app, you will be asked to authenticate using either your password, PIN, or biometrics.

When logging in for the first time after updating the app, users can opt to disable repeated password entry by checking the “Don’t ask again” option. However, this can pose a risk, as anyone who can unlock your phone or tablet will be able to access the Find My Device app without further authentication. Therefore, enabling biometric login adds an extra layer of security to ensure that only the device’s owner can track lost devices.

In cases where your phone or tablet doesn’t support biometrics, the app will default to asking for your Google account password. It’s important to note that the biometric login feature doesn’t activate automatically when you update the app. You will need to manually enable this option by navigating to your account profile, selecting “Require sign-in,” and following the on-screen prompts.

Once activated, the app will require you to verify your identity using the biometric options supported by your device, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition. This security feature is a welcome addition to an app designed to protect your devices, ensuring that even if your device is unlocked, no one else can access your tracking information without biometric verification.

Pixel 9’s Bluetooth Issues Addressed

Google’s Pixel smartphones, known for their cutting-edge features, have occasionally been plagued by unexpected bugs, especially related to Bluetooth connectivity. The recently released Pixel 9 series was no exception, with users reporting issues connecting certain devices. While most Bluetooth-enabled gadgets like earbuds and Android Auto worked fine, some other devices faced persistent connectivity issues.

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, for instance, had trouble pairing with Pixel 9 phones. Artem Russakovskii, the founder of APKMirror, also reported difficulties with his Tesla’s auto-unlock feature and Find My Device trackers. These issues, though isolated, were particularly frustrating for affected users.

However, Google has been working behind the scenes to resolve these problems. According to insiders, Google has rolled out several fixes through Google Play Services to address these Bluetooth glitches. The first set of fixes arrived in September, followed by additional patches more recently.

Many users have reported improved performance after these updates. Devices that previously struggled to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection with the Pixel 9, such as the Ray-Bans, now function as intended, eliminating much of the frustration experienced over the past few months.

While not all devices were affected by these Bluetooth issues, the impact was significant enough for Google to prioritize a solution. With the rollout of these fixes, Pixel 9 owners can now enjoy a more seamless experience with their Bluetooth devices.

Conclusion

The new biometric login feature for the Find My Device app enhances security, making it easier to protect your data and devices. Users now have more convenient and secure ways to access the app, while the Pixel 9’s recent Bluetooth fixes have alleviated significant frustration for users.

As technology evolves, Google continues to improve user experience, both through software updates and innovative features. Whether you’re using Find My Device to locate lost items or relying on Bluetooth for connectivity, these updates make daily interactions with Android devices smoother and more secure. If you’ve experienced recent improvements with your Pixel 9’s Bluetooth performance or are enjoying the new biometric login for Find My Device, let us know your thoughts!